“This is about as close to heaven as you can get while you’re still alive.”

That’s a direct quote from our friend Bill who tasted our Chocolate Bread Pudding when we served it at a casual dinner party. When somebody mused about how many calories the pudding might contain, Bill didn’t miss a beat:

“That’s like pondering the gas mileage of a Rolls Royce,” he replied.

Time for truth in eating: This dessert is probably the richest we’ve ever published. Based on 12 servings, our Chocolate Bread Pudding contains a shameful 30 grams of fat and 427 calories. But this pudding has such a potent effect, we thought we might have to go in search of smelling salts at our little dinner soiree. So what to do? Should anyone ever succumb to a dessert this over the top?

Right or wrong, we must confess: If this warm, gooey, chocolate confection was sitting in front of us at a dinner party we’d probably inhale it in 20 seconds flat.

Some desserts really ARE worth the calories and here’s how we decide:

Step one: Dip your fork in and take a tiny taste. That’s all you need to know to discern if a dessert is swoon-worthy or simply ordinary. Don’t eat ordinary.

Step Two: Ask for the tiniest serving. Be firm. If you’re the host, have compassion and dish up small servings to start with. You can always offer seconds.

Finally: Rely on healthy garnishes of fruit or low-fat frozen yogurt or squirt whipped cream. Be especially generous with the fruit. That lets the extremely calorie-conscious save face and enjoy dessert, too.

Anybody else have suggestions? What do you do when you’re faced with a rich dessert at a dinner party?